Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be on the line during an event organized by South Pacific Boxing Promotions next month. The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman Adi Narayan announced at the event’s launch that the program has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
Scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the event will also include a local title fight and other matches, including a women’s bout. Notably, this event will mark the first instance of siblings competing for international titles: Sebastian Singh will face “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider takes on China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title.
Additionally, Winston Hill and Lachlan O’Shea will compete for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. Narayan emphasized the significance of this occasion, stating, “This is a one-off occasion, I can’t recall if this has happened in the last three years. This is an opportunity for our boxers to display their skills at an international level.”
In another bout, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while Jese Ravudi is set to face Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan expressed gratitude towards promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for their contributions to the event.
Chand highlighted that these matches will create new opportunities for local fighters, including women. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who gets a chance to fight in England. “If Winston Hill wins this one, he’ll be given a world title shot that has been granted by IBO, one of the three belts hanging there, he’ll be a step closer,” Chand noted.
Chand assured boxing fans that security will be enhanced during the fights to prevent incidents similar to those that occurred at Lawaqa Park last month. He called on boxing clubs and fighters to ensure their trainers are registered with the BCF. “Only four individuals will be allowed in the ring; one boxer, two trainers, and a cart man if he has a license with BCF,” he explained.
Chand also stated that 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers will be present at the venue to maintain safety, and an international IBO referee will assist local referees and officials.